NCJ Number
173206
Date Published
Unknown
Length
23 pages
Annotation
The Hispanic Initiative is a project in Anne Arundel County (Md.) that began with a focus on alcohol and drug prevention and is now a comprehensive health program that uses recreational family activities and home visits to increase family protective factors against drug use.
Abstract
This project was created to address the tremendous needs of the large population of Spanish-speaking immigrants in the county. It is located at the Allen Apartment Complex. Sixty-five percent of the residents in the 98 apartment units are Spanish-speaking, 34 percent are black, and 1 percent are white. About 40 percent of the population are under age 21. The average annual income is $12,480, well below the poverty level. The program uses several strategies to help families adjust to their new setting both economically and socially. These strategies include information dissemination, education, alternative activities, problem identification and referral, and community mobilization. A Spanish-language hotline provides answers to questions regarding community service and referrals to residents in emergencies. The resident-created Allen Apartments Tenant Association does its own resource development and grant writing. Figure and chart